On October 24, 2007, the Mongolian State University of Education (MSUE), one of the largest teacher training institutions in Mongolia, conferred an honorary doctorate upon Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda in recognition of his tireless initiatives for peace and his efforts to unite the world through trust and friendship. MSUE Rector B. Jadambaa entrusted the award to Soka University President Hideo Yamamoto at the Soka University Central Tower in Hachioji, Tokyo. Rector Jadambaa was accompanied by MSUE International Department Director Laikhansuren Altanzaya and MSUE Vice Rector Byambajaviin Purev-Ochir.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Japan. MSUE began in 1951 as a national institution of education. A significant turning point for the school came during the 1990 democratization of the country. MSUE reviewed its underlying values of education and returned to its roots of student-centered education. MSUE has incorporated a western-style educational system with the Mongolian culture of nomadic tradition. Nearly 13,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in the university's five teacher training colleges, 12 faculties, and 44 departments. The main campus is located in Ulaanbaatar, the capital.

Rector Jadambaa remarked in his citation that he was gratified to present the award in a spirit of bilateral friendship through educational exchange, and expressed his profound respect to Mr. Ikeda for his untiring endeavors to build friendship and trust across the globe for the sake of world peace.

In a message read in proxy by Soka University Associate Vice President Tadashige Takamura, Mr. Ikeda expressed his deep appreciation for the honor. He also praised Rector Jadambaa for upholding the four principles of compassion, integrity, conviction and being a good listener, which he himself has endeavored to abide by. Touching upon the time-honored wisdom for peace and creative coexistence imbued in Mongolian cultural tradition, Mr. Ikeda expressed his determination to further his efforts to foster global citizens and promote environmental education as well as inter-civilizational dialogue. Referring to renowned Mongolian writer and MSUE alumnus Lodongiin Tudev, who wrote that the hope and aspirations embraced by humans eclipse even Mt. Everest, Mr. Ikeda underscored the value of humanistic education for inspiring young people to manifest their boundless potential and live for lofty ideals.

[Adapted from an article in the October 25, 2007, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]